What is the deal with GoJets??
 

I'm currently a CFI not making any kind of money, and just got a call today from GoJets in St. Louis. I talked to a buddy of mine who is a Captain for ExpressJet and he said to be really careful with what I decide to do with them. He said if I ended up taking a job with them, not only would I be hated by all the other pilots in the industry, but I wouldn't be able to jumpseat anywhere on anyone, and that it would haunt me for the rest of my career. Is that really the outtake on GoJets pilots? In my current situation I am not making any money as a CFI, I have flight debt up to my ears, and here comes a company that might offer me a job flying a CRJ-700. I realize the pay is crappy right off the bat, but who's isn't?

I would really appreciate some feedback on this. Like are GoJets pilots hated that much and why? Thanks.

I'm gonna be one of the nicer posts in this thread...do a search, you'll learn everything you need to know to make an educated decision.

I'll even do some of the legwork for you...

http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/sh...ighlight=gojet

http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/sh...ighlight=gojet

http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/sh...ighlight=gojet

http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/sh...ighlight=gojet

http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/sh...ighlight=gojet

http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/sh...ighlight=gojet

GO jet was created by Trans States airlines Holding company becuase they wanted to go around the scope clause they currently had with trans states not being able to fly larger aircraft. They won crj 700s with united and started this company with a different seniority list than tran states and they were non union. At the time Trans states started to furlough as well (i believe). So you have trans states pilots who had done all this hard work for the airline getting laid off, and you have go jet growing at their mercy. Its the same thing mesa did with freedom. Its the same thing Pinnacle tried to do with us, but we wouldnt let them, so then they just went out and bought their own airline and we are still fighting that. Go jet was only awarded 16 planes, and nothing has happened since then. Sure, if you take that job with them, you will fly the CRJ 700, but there are plenty of other airlines that fly that plane that you can work for and not ruin your career in the process. There are pilots out there thay no matter what will treat you like crap if they knew you worked there.

I dont work for transtates, so if any of this info is incorrect please correct it.

come on man. people like this is why alpa should spend some cash educating young pilots on good and bad contracts. people go work for crappy operators and then once they realize that it is one of the worst possible things they could have done they either ***** and moan about how the industry sucks or jump ship to a better place. The damage was already done though. if people were educated about other options these places couldnt find pilots. before i got on with express there was no way for me to find out about the contract or how it compared to other carriers. I only was able to find out through close friends and online.

Do some research man. a simple search or better yet talk to your express friend and ask him to set you up with some of his other contacts in the industry. ask as many questions as you can and you will soon learn you dont have to be making peanuts, with a crappy carrier that doesnt respect you. having debt is no excuse for working for gojets. instruct a couple months longer and get on with someone that will pay you and respect you. If you go to gojets you WILL regret it everytime someone sees it on your resume, another pilot asks you where you fly, or if and when you apply to a better airline. good luck with the research

And why ALPA members like you and I should take every opportunity to educate the up-and-comers on the state of the industry...

dont fly "gayway" it will be the biggest mistake of your life, and yes that pretty much makes you a scab since its an alter ego airline and its essentially the same thing. you can easily get a job somewhere else with all the regionals hiring. try expressjet or republic

Yes, GoJet's pilots are hated by other pilots. They are hated very much, and many people consider them the next worst things to scabs.

Have you ever taken a gun and just shot yourself in the foot to see what it feels like?? That is essentially what you will be doing if you go fly for GoJet, aka Blow Jets, Gayway, Goaway Jets.

GoJet was created by Trans States. They wanted their pilots to fly 70 seat jets, but Trans States scope clause said they could not fly bigger airplanes unless a pay rate was negotiated. Instead of negotiating, Trans States went around the pilots contract and created GoJet's. They got the jets. People were hired there and "upgraded" out of seniority order over Trans States pilots. Not only were Trans States pilots screwed in that sense, but many were furloughed at this time. Usually this is against US Labor Laws, but somehow Trans States was able to circumvent these laws. That is the story (more or less).

GoJet's pilots are hated by all. Their is no discriminating. Every GoJet pilot is hated equally. Many will not allow you ride on their airplane (in jumpseat or even in back). You had better live in Saint Louis, or within close driving distance. Otherwise, I don't see how you are going to get to work.
If you ever want to go to another airline, you will have a hard time answering, "So why did you fly at GoJet's?" Be ready for people ignoring/not talking to you in future jobs. Only speak when spoken to, and only when absolutely necessary for the safe operation of the flight.

GoJet's only has about 150 pilots. Having that small of a group makes it easy to keep tabs on you. There used to be a list of all GoJet's pilots that was published (to use to deny GoJet's pilots from riding jumpseats), but I can't seem to find it. It was something like gojetpilots.com.

Anyway, there are very good reasons not to go and work for GoJet's. You may be committing career suicide. There are plenty of other regionals out there. They are hiring thousands of pilots this year. They are lowering minimums every single day. You WILL get hired by another carrier soon. Do not take the job at GoJet!!!
But hey, if you want to shoot yourself in the foot (by going to GoJet), let me know how it feels. I sure as hell don't want to try it.

Feel free to ask more questions to fully understand the implications of your choice.
Good luck making the right choice.
Ryan

SJS.:( I must be retarded because I remember being satisfied with being hired into the 1900 many moons ago. I won't be a Capt again for a long time but when I do upgrade, ALPA Scabs, F.A.G.'s, and GoJetters wouldn't be welcome on my j/s. Many feel the same, some may not care...you won't know till you round the corner and ask for a ride. Is it worth it? Not to me but to each his own.

Your buddy is correct. Unless you intend to make go-jets your FINAL career destination, seek out ANY other employment...CFI, cargo, even mesa.